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The aryl hydrocarbon receptor links TH17-cell-mediated autoimmunity to environmental toxins

Author

Listed:
  • Marc Veldhoen

    (MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW71AA, UK)

  • Keiji Hirota

    (MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW71AA, UK)

  • Astrid M. Westendorf

    (Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, D-45122, Germany
    Helmholtz Center for Infection Research)

  • Jan Buer

    (Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, D-45122, Germany)

  • Laure Dumoutier

    (Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels branch, and Experimental Medicine Unit, Universite Catholique de Louvain)

  • Jean-Christophe Renauld

    (Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels branch, and Experimental Medicine Unit, Universite Catholique de Louvain)

  • Brigitta Stockinger

    (MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW71AA, UK)

Abstract

Toxins and autoimmunity The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor best known for mediating the toxicity of aromatic hydrocarbons such as dioxin: its activation leads to the production of detoxification enzymes. AHR has been intensely studied in relation to toxicology and cancer research, but no mechanistic connection to the immune system was known. Now two groups report a role for AHR in maintaining the balance between two T-lymphocyte populations — the Treg and TH17 cells — that are part of the immune regulation system dealing with tolerance of self-antigens and pathogen clearance. Both groups also show that AHR affects the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalitis, a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. This work raises the possibility that stimulation of AHR by environmental factors could be involved in the development of autoimmune disease, and point to AHR as a possible drug target for immunomodulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Marc Veldhoen & Keiji Hirota & Astrid M. Westendorf & Jan Buer & Laure Dumoutier & Jean-Christophe Renauld & Brigitta Stockinger, 2008. "The aryl hydrocarbon receptor links TH17-cell-mediated autoimmunity to environmental toxins," Nature, Nature, vol. 453(7191), pages 106-109, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:453:y:2008:i:7191:d:10.1038_nature06881
    DOI: 10.1038/nature06881
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    Cited by:

    1. Chia-Ching Lin & Chien-Chih Chiu & Po-Yen Lee & Kuo-Jen Chen & Chen-Xi He & Sheng-Kai Hsu & Kai-Chun Cheng, 2022. "The Adverse Effects of Air Pollution on the Eye: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-14, January.

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